Royal Canadian Legion Brockville Ontario

THE VOICE       HOLIDAYS 2008/2009

 

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

It always seems that the Holiday Season races upon us with uncivilized speed, rushing as it does out of the beauty of Autumn.  But we know it is here as Christmas parties are starting to show up on everyone’s calendars and we are seeing those ads and hearing that music.

 

Branch 96 will be having a New Year’s Dance with Midnight Buffet on Wednesday the 31^st of December, in the Auditorium.  Tickets will be on sale for members only until November 28^th, and then will be open to public sales on the 29^th and will stay on sale until the close out on 22^nd December.  There are advance sales of tickets only, so get them early because these tickets will be hot!  Lauren Hall with a new band will be entertaining us.  A special feature that night will be an 11 pm draw for a very excellent Travel Package valued at $2500 – and tickets are being sold for this separately – these are $20 and are available at the Bar or from any Executive member.  Following the singing of Auld Lang Sine, we will enjoy a midnight buffet, and then some more dancing.

 

And as if that is not enough, please remember to come out the very next day for that great social event the Annual New Year’s Levee.  Details will be displayed in the Branch and in the What’s On! but it is our chance to pay early respects to our comrades in the Brockville Rifles, the City and our own friends here in the Branch.  Once the handshaking and niceties are over, Lauren Hall will again give us something to dance to, in the Lower Lounge.

 

Looking further ahead into the first half of 2009 there will be several significant undertakings for the Branch.  We are hoping for a return of the Legion Idol in the spring.  Also we are planning a major fundraiser for May, based on a Dinner and Silent Auction. In between these we will be hosting the District ‘G’ Convention April 17, 18, 19 and plans are well underway. See the Past President’s piece below.

 

2009 is also our Election Year in the Branch!  In April every member will have a chance to pass their vote on how well the Branch leadership has been meeting their needs – and it represents a chance to add new blood to the executive team.  Please consider coming out and voting, or running for a position.

 

From Joan and I, the best of the Holiday Season to all members and supporters of Branch 96, and to all your families.

 

Darwin McIntyre, President 

 

 

NOTES FROM THE FIRST VICE

 

It’s that time of year again when Remembrance Day and the Poppy Campaign have been written into our history and the holiday season is upon us. From Janet and me, we wish each and every one of you the very best of the Holiday Season.

 

 With the coming of the end of the calendar year, I find myself reflecting on the accomplishments of the executive and volunteers of Branch 96 throughout the past year.

 

In the last “Voice” I reported the success of our mortgage retirement efforts as well as the establishment of a “Building Trust Fund”. I am happy to report that our Building Trust Fund is doing very well and continues to grow, thanks to the generosity of several people and fund-raising activities as well as the transfer of some money from the general account.    I also mentioned that the first of several projects planned for this year had been completed with the painting of the parking lot lines.

 

Since the Summer/Fall newsletter was published, a great many improvements have been completed. Probably the most prominent change that everyone has seen is our new “Events Sign”. Construction of this sign was made necessary in order to conform to the new Brockville bylaw prohibiting the use of portable signs as a permanent fixture. Thanks to Jack Locke and a group of willing volunteers, our new sign became a reality.

 

The next major project that has been long overdue was the installation of a proper entrance that would more easily accommodate our members and guests that require the aid of walkers and wheelchairs. Keith Whiteland began a rather lengthy process to request aid from the Trillium Fund, and after a long persistence, we were finally granted the necessary funds to have our north doors automated. The final part of this project required that the interlocking paving stones be taken up and properly leveled. Once again our corps of volunteers stepped forward and the job was done.

 

Now that we had a proper entrance to the building, it was obvious that the canopy over the entrance as well as the canopies over the upstairs windows had outlived their beauty and usefulness. Thanks to financial help from one of our members and our usual corps of volunteers, the main canopy was replaced and with the help of George Herbison (President of Branch 484) the canopies over the upstairs windows were removed.

 

At the same time that most of these other projects were underway, Tony Steenbergen stepped forward to replace our broken screen door at the north delivery entrance. He also created a new entrance to a long unused storeroom behind the bar, providing us with much needed bar supply storage. Thankfully, while Tony was on a roll, he built a display box to be used outside the north entrance to advertise “coming events”.

 

The final touch came when our painting crew, primarily Keith Whiteland and Don Bain did a fine job sprucing up our outside doors.

   

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention our resident guru of everything electrical. Thanks to Barry Elliott, our lights all seem to light again and we have even sorted out most of the electrical outlets and circuit breakers.

 

As you can see, 2008 has been a very busy year for Branch 96, but stay tuned – 2009 also promises to be a very busy year. Volunteers for upcoming projects are always welcome so if you have some spare time, consider donating some of it to our Branch.

 

 

    Ray Gilroy C.D.

    1^st Vice President

 

ELECTIONS 2009

 

The Branch 96 By-laws stipulate that Branch elections will be held on the second Sunday in April of an election year – which is every second year – unless that Sunday falls on Easter Sunday, in which case the elections are to be moved  to the third Sunday of the Month.  In 2009 Easter is on the second Sunday (the 12^th), and the normal by-law would move it to the 17^th.

 

Branch 96 will be hosting the District 6 Convention 17-19 April 2009, and this would interfere with our own elections.  The Branch has requested from Provincial Command that we be allowed to “deviate from a by-law” in this case, and they have approved that Branch 96 will move the elections ahead one week – to Sunday 5 April 2009.

 

Watch the Branch notice boards and the What’s On! For details about the positions that will need filling and your chance to make a difference in the Branch by coming out and voting or standing for a position!

 

Jim Sheflin

C and L Chairman

 

 

LADIES AUXILIARY

 

 

The Ladies Auxiliary is a great Club within the Branch.  We just donated a cheque to the Branch at the Remembrance Dinner 7 November for $5000.  We do a lot to keep the Branch functioning smoothly and the women of the LA can be very proud of their contribution.  This of course includes the very demanding support that we give to all of the Auditorium rentals that have a catering aspect to them.  It works only because of the women who volunteer time and time again to assist.  Thank you.

 

The Christmas Bazaar was successful, raising more than a $1000.   There were crafts, treasures and vendors to delight with gifts for the stockings of those you love.

 

On May 2, 2009 the Zone Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary will be in-house at our Branch, with up to a hundred visitors.  I ask all members of the Branch and the LA to make them feel at home here.

 

 

Barbara Lake

President, Ladies Auxiliary

 

 

DIAMOND JUBILEE

 

 

The Diamond Jubilee Club is getting ready for the winter season.  The Branch Poppy Campaign is now over and many of our members were out in force manning the booths – everyone is grateful for the time that you contributed.

 

Tickets for the Club Christmas Party are now on sale from all of the Executive members.  They are $12 each, and the date is December 10^th, 1:30 to 6 pm.  Please note that this is a Wednesday this year.  Come and join us for all the fun and the foolishness that your Executive get up to. . . Our entertainment is your favourite, Lauren Hall, so bring your dancing shoes.

 

The Club trip to the Cornwall Branch was a great success even though we had to travel after the freak snow storm.  We are looking to having them back in Brockville for the second half of the reciprocal visit sometime after Christmas.

 

There is another bus trip to Atlantic City booked for March 23^rd to the 27^th 2009. Looks like it will be $399 for four nights and five days. For details call Miki Thompson 613-345-5768.  It will be a fully booked trip like every other year!

 

The Club meeting day is the third Thursday of the month – we had to arrange some changes for November and December due to conflicting bookings of the Auditorium, but we are back on track now and this will not happen often – if it does we will try to provide advance warning.  Our afternoon games are all going well and line dancing is boogieing along as well – great to see people out moving and a-grooving.  Who says seniors are past it?  We will be having a Sports Day Dinner, possibly as early as February, so keep your eyes open for posters or entries in the What’s On! giving you the dates.

 

Miki Thompson

Chairperson, Diamond Jubilee Club

 

 

 

 

YOUTH EDUCATION

 

The 2008/2009 Year for Youth Education began in September with the competition on the subject of Remembrance. This competition was open to all students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. 

 

The Poetry, Essay and Poster Contest sponsored by the Legion was judged on November 18^th at the Branch.  We were fortunate to have four retired teachers and an artist agree to serve as our judges.  The judges were Bob McWilliams, who was head of the Art Department at Belleville High School, Myra McWilliams, a teacher and Pram Kerr, a local artist who judged the posters.  Brenda Bain and JoAnne Cardinal judged the poems and essays.  We had thirty-one winners, thirty from nine local schools and one who is home schooled.  All of the winners, their families and teachers have been invited to the award ceremony which will be held at the Branch on Thursday, Nov. 27^th, 2008.  Our next event will be the pubic speaking contest in February, 2009.  Here are the winners:

 

Primary (Grades 1-3):

Black & White Posters:

1^st – Emma Kilpatrick; 2^nd – Danielle Simons: 3^rd – Jacey Marshall

Colour Posters:

1^st – Lindsey Botham; 2^nd – Ruth Tutak-Carty; 3^rd – Brayden Jensen

 

Junior (Grades 4-6):

Essays: 1^st – Ivan Cook; 2^nd – Leah Groenewood; 3^rd – Erica Groenewood

Poems: 1^st – Emily MacKenzie; 2^nd – Bryony Schonewille; 3^rd – Adrian Au

Black & White Posters:

1^st – Clark Caldwell; 2^nd – Tyler Reynolds; 3^rd – Damien Popkie

Colour Posters:

1^st – Abigael Schonewille, 2^nd – Alaina Ng; 3^rd – Maddison Fraser

 

Intermediate (Grades 7-9):

Essays: 1^st Place – Claudia LaForty

Poems: 1^st Place – Cameron Irwin; 2^nd Place – Emily Joyce

Black & White Posters:

1^st – Brieanna Fraser: 2^nd – Emily Landon; 3^rd – Emily Baldissera

Colour Posters:

1^st – Harrison Olajos; 2^nd – Rebekah Beattie; 3^rd – Kathryn Jonker

 

Senior (Grades 10-12):

Essay: 1^st Place – Laura Mallory

Black &White Poster: 1^st Place – Cheyenne Garard

Colour Poster: 1^st Place – Jillian Sones

 

Lillian McNamee

Youth Education

 

 

 

IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE A FEW HOURS A MONTH TO CONTRIBUTE, AND CAN MARCH A FEW HUNDRED YARDS, CONSIDER JOINING THE BRANCH COLOUR PARTY.  CARRYING A COLOUR PUTS PRIDE IN ALL WHO DO IT, AND GIVES A VISUAL BLESSING TO ALL WHO SEE IT. CONTACT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, PETER MCNAMEE AT 613-345-5936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

 

Greetings Comrades:

 

The Early Bird Draw entry period ends on November 30, 2008.  We will draw the winner at our General Meeting on December 16, 2008.  That winner will have their 2010 dues paid by the Branch.

 

There are a number of members who have not paid their 2008 dues yet.  To quote from the good book: ‘A member who has not paid dues by January 31^st is not in good standing and cannot participate in branch activities’. It is not too late to pay your dues for 2008!  If you are in any doubt please check your last receipt or membership card and make sure that you have done so! As of November 14thm 696 members had paid their 2008 dues, and 243 members had already paid for 2009.

 

If you know of someone who would like to join the Legion, pick up an application form at the Branch, help them to fill it out, bring it in and I will happily look after the rest.  Information on membership is all available at our website www.rclbrockville.wordpress.com.

 

The Branch ran a campaign to gather e-mail addresses from the membership.  All who provided e-mail addresses were entered into a draw to have one year’s dues paid for by the Branch.  It was held on November 7, 2008.  Comrade Barney Barnhart drew, and the winner was Dennis Hunter of Lyn.  Congratulations Dennis!  Anyone else who has an e-mail address please provide that to the Office – and you will get more information from the Branch.

 

We continue to have the challenge of keeping member addresses current.  If you move, please remember to change your address at the Branch.  This way you will continue to receive any mailings from the Branch or Dominion Command (such as your Legion Magazine).

 

In closing please remember to report any change of address to the office.  It is important to keep our records up to date so that all members get the mail that the Branch and Dominion Command send out.

 

Barry Elliott

Second Vice President

And Membership Chairman

 

Membership Statistics

 

Year	Number Paid Members	Number Non-Paid
2007	728 (December)	54
2008	696 (Nov)	64

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS STATUS

 

Communication can help members get more out of their Branch!

 

The Voice continues as the Branch newsletter.  The objective of the Voice is to inform members of important events and happenings in the Branch and community. Its publication schedule will be three times annually: Summer/Fall (by August); then Holidays (about end- November); then Spring/Summer (about end-April).  The Editor will, together with the Membership Chair, deliver the Voice the most economical way possible.  Starting with this Holiday 2008 edition, it will be distributed electronically to all members with an e-mail access.  This will be done as follows: first, the Newsletter will be posted to the Newsletters pages of the Branch website and once there, all members with an e-mail address will receiving an e-mail that will notify them that the Newsletter has been posted.  The edition that goes on the website is richer and larger than the mailed out version, because we can add colour pictures and can have an unlimited amount of text! The mail out newsletter is restricted to 4 pages, double sided, so as to keep the costs within bounds. 

 

The Branch has developed its new website www.rclbrockville.wordpress.com that can be connected to directly (and you should save that site as a Favourite on your computer) or off the national legion site (where it is listed under related sites, Ontario Command).  The Branch website offers information on the branch and its events, on Auditorium rental, membership and news. It changes constantly, so visit often.

 

The monthly What’s On! handout will continue to be published so that members can be informed of all activities in the Branch.  Due date for any entries in the What’s On! is the Monday of the last full week of the month preceding the month of publication.

 

Any comments on these items can be sent to wenwayken@cogeco.ca, or drop a note in the Voice box at the Branch.

 

 

Vince Kennedy

Editor

 

 

PAST PRESIDENT’S PROJECTS

 

First of all Marilyn and I would like to wish all of our comrades a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

 

This past fall the Brockville Branch awarded twenty-one bursaries to students in various ceremonies.  The distribution was seven (7) to Brockville Collegiate Institute, six (6) to Thousand Island Secondary School, five (5) to St Mary Catholic High School and three (3) to Athens District High School.  Thanks to the members of the Bursary Committee for their time and help.

 

Up and coming in the New Year will be our annual Cy Perry Memorial Fishing Tournament.  This year the fishing will be at Graham Lake, and hopefully there will be more pike to catch.  The date is on February 28^th, and tickets will be on sale at the Bar by about February 6, 2009.  See you there with a rod in your hand.

 

On April 17, 18 and 19, Branch 96 will be hosting the District ‘G’ spring convention.  This is an election convention, and therefore we are expecting about 300 or more guests in the Branch doing the business of the convention.  The Committee making the arrangements would want all members to make these guests feel warmly welcome, and for our guests to take advantage of our facilities and the hospitality at the bar.  Everyone will be informed about changes to our normal routines on these days in April.

 

Ralph McMullen

Past President

 

 

LA SPORTS UPDATE

 

The LA Sports Leagues are almost half way through our season already and have had a busy time.  Our Team of Barb Humphry, Kathy Lewis, Mary Ann Greenwood and Joreen Jackson took 1^st place in Zone Cribbage and therefore bringing the competition to Brockville next year.  All the girls that qualified go on to the District Cribbage in Morrisburg in March 2009. 

 

We also had a team of Barb Humphry, Kathy Lewis, Mary Ann Greenwood and Margee Watson take 1^st Place in Zone Darts and therefore getting it in Brockville next year as well.  The Ladies that qualified are going on to Cornwall in the spring for districts.  Kathy Lewis took 1^st place in Singles and the Doubles Team of Lori Mallette and Barb Lake took 1^st Place in doubles at the Zone Singles and Doubles Darts held in Gananoque.  We had six Doubles and four Singles go on to District in Kingston on November 15^th.  Kathy Lewis took 1^st place and the team of Kathy Lewis and Barb Lake came in 5^th in Pairs and therefore these two ladies go on to Provincials in Hamilton in April 2009.

 

Brockville Legion therefore won the right to hold Districts here next year but this may not be possible as there is an existing Auditorium rental.

 

There is a Cribbage Tournament schedules for December 7 as a fundraiser for the Ladies Sports.  Watch the notice board for another dart Tournament and a Euchre Tournament in the Spring.

 

Thanks to all the volunteers and those who have donated door prizes in this busy period.

 

Mary Ann Greenwood

LA Sports Officer

 

 

Branch General Meeting 7:00 pm – 3rd Tuesday of each month, September to June

Ladies Auxiliary General Meeting 4th Tuesday of each month

Diamond Jubilee General Meeting 3rd Thursday of each month

 

 

WHAT WENT ON WHEN?

 

(a Selection of Interesting Items from Meetings Around the Branch since the last Voice)

 

MEETING	OUTLINE OF ITEM	REMARKS
Executive Meeting 2 September	It was noted that the Community and Primary Healthcare had sent a thank you letter to all members of the Branch for the donation of a $1000.	An excellent example of how we contribute to our community.
General Meeting 16 September	Branch has received a cheque from the Trillium Foundation for $5200 to pay for the installation of the improved access doors at the north entrance of the Lower level. Wiltse’s Brockville Glass installed .	Excellent improvement and improved handicapped access. Doors will be adjusted for seasonal conditions.
Executive Meeting 7 October	a.  Contract for winter ploughing of our parking lot awarded to Knapp.	Ready for Old Man Winter.
	b.  New Xerox copier has been leased for the Office and the old ones will be returned/decommissioned. This lowers the per page costs of printing in-house for the Branch from 0.033 cents to 0.012 cents!	Will provide better service for the in-house demand.  Branch still maintains a Staples card for colour and batch printing.
General Meeting 21 October	Erwin Sorensen has donated a model of a Canadian warship for the downstairs Naval memorabilia display.	Thank you Erwin.

 

 

POPPY CAMPAIGN 2008

 

The Poppy Campaign for 2008 has gone very well indeed.  This year we had only nine days to campaign, compared to 12 or 13 in other years.

 

The support from the people of Brockville and area has just been outstanding again this year.  In the four years that I have been Poppy Chairman I could not have had such great cooperation from the members of the Legion and from the ‘Friends of the Legion’. Thank you all very much, for without all of your support we would not have had the successes we have had year after year.

 

We will be posting the names of all of those volunteers who have helped as soon as those are compiled on the Notice Board and on the Branch website.

 

The Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph went very well.  It was nice to have the large crowd applaud the veterans from Afghanistan when they laid their wreaths during the ceremony.

 

As of November 13^th we have deposited $36,604 in the Poppy Trust Account.  This money will be used for the veterans and their wives in need of support.  It is also used for bursaries to students who are grandchildren of veterans and who are going to post graduate university or college – as you know the Legion has the responsibility of selecting the most deserving.

 

Again, thank you for your continued help with this important work.

 

Keith Whiteland

Poppy Chairman

 

 

 

PAT LOCKE MEMORIAL DART TOURNAMENT

 

On behalf of the Diamond Jubilee Club and Branch 96, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the success of the Pat Locke Dart Tournament – the 60 players, the ones who gave draw prizes, made sandwiches and made monetary donations.

 

 Through everyone’s generosity we were able to donate $760. 00 to the Legion Building Fund in Pat’s honour.

 

  Just to give you all the idea, here’s how it came down —

   

    $150.00 registration fees

    $190.00 monetary donations (including the money donated back from the winning teams)

    $139.00 from 50/50 ticket sales

    $281.00 from sandwich and draw/door prize sales.

             Total – $760.00 !!!

 

Thank You! Thank you ! Thank you !

 

Janet Gilroy

Sports Officer, Diamond Jubilee Club

 

MEET THE RIDE 3 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

Branch 96 and the 100 or so members who attended this luncheon with all the members of the RCMP Musical Ride will be in their hearts and minds for some time to come.  It was also excellent for the members of the wider Community who attended.  Thank you for everyone who was involved in the organization and support for this event.

 

Jim Sheflin

Coordinator

LEGION WEEK 2008

 

As the Chair of the Legion Week Committee, I thank Beulah Smith, Pat Bolton, Betty Birtch and many others, including the Ladies Auxiliary for all of their efforts in putting together, running and supporting Legion Week this year.  We broke even on the budget and in fact made money through healthy bar sales for the Branch.  Thank you as well to everyone who participated!

 

Jim Sheflin

Chair, Legion Week

 

 

E-MAILS STILL NEEDED

 

E-mail the Secretary at rclbranch96@bellnet.ca, noting your name (and any other member at that e-mail address).

 

Phone the e-mail address to the Secretary at 613-345-0473.

 

ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER

 

January 2009 will see the 250^th Anniversary of Robbie Burns, the Bard of Scotland.  Branch 96 is planning a Burns Supper for Saturday night 31 January.  It will probably start at 6:15 pm and will feature a three course Scottish meal, some excellent piping,  great singing and the traditional elements of Scotch whiskey, remembrance of Burns himself and the lassies.

 

Watch for ticket details in the What’s On! and in posters around the Branch.  You will be able to reserve tables, so get a group of six or ten together and come on out!

 

Vince Kennedy

Organizer

 

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR VETERAN MEMBERS

 

Dear Veteran,

 

My name is Iain MacNeil.  I am a 12^th-grade student at Brockville Collegiate Institute who plans to attend university next year to become a teacher, I am going to leave home next year in the knowledge that I will be able to pursue my career in peace and security without the obligation of fighting for my country, but I am fully aware that had I been in your shoes during the time of war, leaving home to go to school would likely not have been my primary focus.  Thanks to you, both my family and I were given the freedom to choose whether or not fighting for our country was a responsibility we were going to accept.

 

My great grandfather was a chaplain in both the 1^st and 2^nd World Wars.  My late grandfather was a chaplain in the 2^nd World War.  My father attended Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario.  No matter how many stories I hear and have heard on the subject of the War, I cannot even attempt to grasp the situation in which you lived, served, and made enormous sacrifices.

 

For serving your country without knowing the outcome of your service, I thank you.  For living your life with the memories of the occurrences which took place during the War, I thank you.  For giving my friends, my family, my children, and every citizen of your country and mine the freedom to live and to choose, I thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Iain MacNeil

 

 

LAST POST – PASSAGES

 

Since July 15, 2008

 

And in your life let my remembrance linger

As something not to trouble and disturb it

But to complete it, adding life to life.

 

Longfellow, The Golden Legend

 

Ralph Butt

Albert DeBoer

William J. Flanigan

Mickey Harper

William Hellam

Patricia Locke

Gord McBratney

Florence McCann (Ladies Auxiliary)

Bruce McKay

Olga Newell

A. Scale

Ronald Smeathers

Al McDougall

 

We Will Remember Them